Just two months after it was first announced by the provincial agriculture and environment ministers, the Action Committee on Agricultural Runoff Control is finalizing recommendations on measures to prevent fishkills in Island streams. The Action Committee today reviewed its draft report, which it hopes to finalize in the next week.
The Action Committee, consisting of industry, the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation and provincial and federal government representatives, was established to determine the facts of fishkills in Island streams and identify the steps required to reduce the risk to aquatic life.
"The basic issue being addressed by the Action Committee is the rapid adoption and implementation of those measures which have been proven effective in preventing agricultural runoff to watercourses," said Action Committee Chair Dr. Carl Willis. "Most of the recommendations which we will be presenting to industry and governments are actionable within the next six months, certainly before the beginning of the next growing season." He said all members of the committee agree that one fishkill is too many.
Dr. Willis said the committee is confident that its recommendations will help bring about the further actions which industry and government need to adopt to protect soil and water resources and aquatic life, and accelerate the implementation of many of the recommendations made by the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship. "I cannot emphasize too strongly that the adoption of improved soil conservation practices is the key to protecting aquatic life and marine habitats," he said. "Fishkills over the past summer send us all a strong message regarding the ongoing problems of runoff and stream siltation and we all recognize that this is no longer acceptable."
The Action Committee had established working groups to look at issues such as soil conservation practices, the toxicity of various pesticides and identify high-risk watersheds. There was also a province-wide series of well-attended meetings with producers organized by the Potato Producers Association.
After the report is finalized, it will be presented to Cabinet, industry organizations and the public. For more information contact: Dr. Carl Willis at 628-2184